World Vision celebrates 25-yrs of transforming Children’s lives in SL

World Vision International Sierra Leone (WVISL) has Thursday 12 May celebrated and launched a 25-year excellent work anniversary on the theme: “transforming Children’s Lives in Sierra Leone ”According to the National Director for World Vision International SL, Sagane Thiaw, in 2021 1,105,414 people were reached and over $3000 Million invested in various projects across their sectors in the last 25 years.

In his PowerPoint presentation, the WVISL National Director highlighted their key achievements from 1996 to 2021. He informed that from the 1996-2003 relief era, 165,000 plus displaced families were resettled, adding that 15,000 families recovered farmlands, 3,000 families improved livelihoods, and 83,000 war-affected youth trained. He disclosed that from 2004-2013, 8,250 people benefited from the sustainable livelihood and effective economic development project, stating that the 25th official launching anniversary was to showcase the transformational strides they have made in the last 25 years.

In his keynote address, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, acknowledged the gains and the good work of World Vision since it started operations in Sierra Leone. He said the good works of World Vision cannot be overemphasized, adding that the words of the late great Nelson Mandela “overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an act of justice, it is a protection of the right to dignity and a decent life” he mentioned. He said one should continue to live on a healable mark on humanities, be fully healthy, and experience the fullness of life, bringing joy, hope, and justice to all children. He stated that they were celebrating 25 years of WVISL for their outstanding work and impact in Sierra Leone, revealing that it was a great pleasure that he was given the opportunity on his birthday with the World Vision family to partner to improve the well-being of all children.

“Our children are the future of our society and I strongly believe that every child has the right to
a decent and dignified life. The WVISL established its root in Sierra Leone during the darkest
times in our nation’s history and collaborated with us over the past 25 years. Through your
tireless efforts each day, you gifted vulnerable children with a hopeful right and a future. I stand
here as a citizen to convey our deepest gratitude for your great efforts and achievement through
the years” he said. Alice Mamie Farma, One of the kids that have been helped by WVISL, said the children experienced insidious forms of violence, abuse, and exploitation, adding that it happens in every
community and to every child, with no exception. She continued that in many cases, children suffered at the hands of people they trusted, either due to ignorance or premeditation.

She pointed out that World Vision’s work in her community, built children’s resilience and community capacity, noting that community empowerment through their savings for transformation made it possible for her parents to support her through her schooling. The European Union Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Manuel Muller praised and congratulated World Vision for its intervention in changing the lives of Sierra Leonean children. He said the picture displayed on the screen speaks volumes for itself, adding that their excellent work has proven that they have transformed so many lives of children in the country.  In her statement, the West Africa Regional Director of World Vision International, Ms. Carla Denizard, thanked and appreciated the President for accepting their invitation especially, when the celebration collated with the President’s birthday on the same day of their 25 years anniversary official launch in the country.

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kaikai, said in the fight
against COVID-19, World Vision did not only provide humanitarian relief items but also
support the human capital development project of the government. He intimated that World
Vision International has made so many interventions to improve on lives of vulnerable children
across the country.

By Mohamed Amara Gando